Yulia Tymoshenko: Kireyev demonstrated today how the criminals in power operate (video)

Batkivshchyna Party leader Yulia Tymoshenko believes the removal of defense lawyer Serhiy Vlasenko from her trial was part of a government plan.

"The first thing they did – based on their pre-written plan with which I’m convinced Mr. Kireyev came to today’s hearing – was to remove from the trial my lawyer Serhiy Vlasenko. I was ejected from the courtroom for a day because I wasn’t standing for this mafia in robes, while Serhiy Vlasenko was ejected because he stood and didn’t want to sit when he was illegally not allowed to speak," Yulia Tymoshenko told journalists after today’s hearing.

She believes this is proof of the court's mail goal – to deprive her of her right to quality and effective defense. "That’s why they got rid of Serhiy Vlasenko," she added.

Yulia Tymoshenko also pointed out that today’s hearing was held behind closed doors. "That’s how the criminals in power operate. That’s how they want to commit their unjust and illegal acts – in the dark, without transparency," said the ex-premier.

"The judge refused to resume the live broadcast of the hearing, despite the fact that no witnesses were called for today or tomorrow," she added.

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